Peru: Southern Gems and Machu Picchu

Discover the colonial grandeur of Lima on this 5-hours tour of the city’s classical landmarks and elegant architecture. Walk along the Main Square, overlooked by the city’s grand City Hall, Government Palace and La Catedral de Lima. The 16th century Cathedral holds a rich collection of paintings, sculptures and vestments at the numerous chapels inside. Drop by the colonial mansion of Casa Aliaga nearby, which holds the record of being the oldest private residence in the Southern Hemisphere that has been continuously inhabited. Stop at the sprawling Iglesia de Santo Domingo built for the Dominican Order in the 16th century. The Convent houses the tombs and relics of eminent Peruvian saints. Explore Lima’s inner city wonders at the artsy neighborhood of Barranco, home to the city’s creative community. Stop by the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros), the inspiration behind countless artistic creations, before heading back to your hotel. (5 hours; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes; Lunch is not included).

Discover the architectural jewels of this world Unesco site, the city of Arequipa! Visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena and walk in meditative silence among its beautiful, cloistered walls. Head to the landmark Plaza de Armas and see the Church of the Society of Jesus and its Sistine Chapel. Explore the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, one of Peru’s most unique colonial structures. Feast on regional delicacies in the local restaurants, followed by a visit to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, which opens up to an exquisite view of Arequipa Valley and the Chachani, Misti and Pichu-Pichu volcanoes. Walk through the Yanahuara district and admire its Andalusian-style churches. A stop over at the Santuarios Andinos Museum to see the 500-year old famed Juanita Mummy exhibit of Lady of Ampato makes for a splendid end to this historical tour! (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate; The museum is closed on Mondays)

Explore the beauty of Peruvian countryside on this scenic drive from Arequipa to Colca Canyon. Along the way pass through the Aguada Blanca national Wildlife Reserve where you are able to stop and view the vicuñas and other wildlife such as different migratory birds. Further along the way, stop at the stunning lookout point of Patapama to get an amazing view of Andes Mountain range and the volcanoes in the region. This stunning spot is known as the Viewpoint of the Andes for its magnificent views. Arrive at the town of Chivay, located on the edge of Colca Canyon, in the early afternoon and enjoy a hearty lunch. Take a relaxing afternoon to explore the small local market and the town of Chivay. (08:00 to 15:00. Private Activity. Lunch Included)

Begin your day bright and early in the morning to reach the Condor Pass at sunrise. With luck you catch a glimpse of the rare and mighty Andean Condor soaring through the canyon. Visit the small towns of Maca and Yanque, visiting their colonial churches and taking in additional views of Colca Canyon. After an independent lunch, a short hike can be arranged around the town of Chivay. (06:00 to 15:00. Private Activity. Lunch not Included)

Gain a different viewpoint of Colca Canyon on today’s tour. Cross over to the far side of the canyon visiting small local towns such as Coporaque and Ichupampa. Explore the local culture and beauty of Colca Canyon. After an independent lunch in the town of Chivay, your guide will say goodbye as you continue on to the town of Puno with just your driver. (08:00 to 16:00. Private Activity. Lunch not Included)

Take in the beauty of Lake Titicaca and the Altiplano as well as the rich and unique culture of the Uros and Taquile people during your stay at Titilaka. Select from a variety of activities that allow you to fully experience the region. On Lake Titicaca you can go kayaking or rowing in the waters near the hotel, go for a longer navigation to the Uros Islands, the famous floating man-made reed islands, and Taquile Island in the middle of the lake or appreciate the flora and fauna found around Chuchito Bay. In the Altiplano for the more active guests you can go biking or hiking to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings. Also take an excursion to the Sillustani Tombs on your way to or from the airport. Excursions can also be taken along the Aymara Archeological Route seeing the chullpas of molloco (Aymaran funeral towers) and other ruins or on the Colonial Route visiting the exquisite churches of Juli and Pomata or to the Copamaya community to learn about local textiles.

Visit the floating islands of the Uros, located on the glittering waters of Lake Titicaca during this private tour. The Uros first fled from the Incans and then from the Spaniards, seeking refuge in the lake and creating their own islands made out of reeds. Discover how they adapted to living in the lake and then visit either Taquile or Amantaní islands which offer stunning views of the lake and are inhabited by a small, isolated indigenous group who offer a warm welcome into their simple homes. (07:00 to 17:00, Shared Fast-Boat, Private Guide, Lunch Included)

Enjoy a memorable train journey across the altiplano landscape of the Peruvian Andes, aboard the luxurious Titicaca train. In the morning, head to the train station in Puno and enjoy a complimentary hot beverage before it is time to board. Over the next ten hours, take in splendid views of the verdant terrain and picturesque streams that make up the remote region. You could walk through the train cars to the open air observation car, an excellent spot to take panoramic photographs of the Andean countryside. There is also a bar car serving refreshing cocktails. Here, you can watch a pisco sour demonstration and even try your hand at making this national drink. At lunch time, head to the dining car for a three-course gourmet meal, featuring regional ingredients, paired with a glass of wine. As the train chugs on, enjoy live cultural performances by Andean artists dressed in colorful traditional attire. Later, relish afternoon tea as you take in the vistas from the large windows of the dining car. In the evening, the train will pull into the Cusco station where you will disembark.

(Duration: full day; Time: 0730 hrs; Shared activity; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please arrive at least 30 mins prior to scheduled departure time; Departures subject to availability)

Discover Cusco’s heart and the secrets of the Incan Empire, where colonial flair and Incan culture combine to create a fascinating atmosphere. On this half-day tour your private guide will take you to explore the Main Square and Cathedral, San Blas neighborhood, San Blas Church, the market and Korikancha. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes.

After a drive through the picturesque countryside, arrive at the sleepy village of Pisac, along the banks of the Urubamba River. Head up to the Pisac archaeological complex, which features four sections on a mountain ridge. See the spectacular agricultural terraces and the main fortress, called Q’alla Q’assa. At the back towards Kitamayo Gorge, Inca burial sites adorn the cliff walls. Nearby, there’s the pink granite ceremonial complex, highlighted by the Sun Temple. Continue to the citadel sector. Further ahead is Kinchiraqay that has thatched red adobe granaries. Learn about Pisac’s history, its connection to the partridge, and its significance in the Inca Empire. Later, visit the bustling market in Pisac town, with stalls selling colorful local handicrafts and souvenirs. Take time to enjoy the diversity of Peruvian products, and try regional street foods. Stop for lunch at Sarapampa Hacienda. Also located on the banks of Urubamba River, the hacienda has produced Cusco’s famous giant white corn for three generations. Members of the Sumar family, who own the property, will greet you and tell you about the ancient methods they use to produce this traditional crop. Then gather around the table to enjoy a meal that draws on the rich farming heritage of the Sacred Valley and features traditional dishes. Soak in the intimate atmosphere that feels more like a family get together than a meal in a restaurant, before you drive back to your hotel.

(Duration: full day: Start time: 0800 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1 hr; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; All entrance fees included)

On this full-day privately guided excursion you will visit the beautiful colonial town of Chincheros as well as the spectacular Incan sites of Maras and Moray. Start your morning at the fascinating Maras Salt mines which feature more than 100 small pools fed by a salt-water mountain spring that is interconnected by channels. It still remains in use today by the community and represents an important income for numerous families in the area. Walk up to the vantage viewpoint from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the salt mines and its surroundings. In the afternoon, you will head along a dirt road towards another typical Andean village called Moray; famed for being an Inca agricultural experimental center. At Chincheros visit a local textile workshops were local alpaca weavers practice their centuries old traditions. Both these ancient sites and your visit to Chincheros, will take your breath away and leave you fascinated by the mysteries of the Incan civilization. (From 09:00 to 17:00; Private Activity; Lunch Included; Please note that trekking and walking on the salt pans of Maras is prohibited in order to preserve the purity of the salt extracted.)

Embark on this fascinating private exploration of the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Set at an altitude of 9,160 feet (2,792 m), this quaint town sits tucked amid soaring mountains and spectacular ruins. Saunter around the meticulously laid out town with an efficient irrigation system put in place by the expert architects, masons, and craftsmen of the Inca Empire. Walk across narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets as you make your way to the terraces that once made up the majestic fortress – one of the few where the Spanish invaders suffered a defeat. Climb up to the top of the fortress to enter the complex of the Temple of the Sun, which lies incomplete. Marvel at the massive Wall of the Six Monoliths and the ceremonial center situated before savoring stunning views from your vantage point. Relish the vistas to your heart’s content before beginning your descent. On the way down, stop for a closer look at the many baths and fountains, prominent among them being the Princess Bath.

Start your visit to the most iconic archaeological wonder of South America, taking the ’Voyager’ Train in the evening from Ollantaytambo Station to Machu Picchu Pueblo. As the train winds its way through the scenic Sacred Valley and along the Urubamba River, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andean highlands, Enjoy stunning views of the Peruvian countryside, while gliding past lush-green terraced fields and towering mountains. Enter the mist-shrouded Cloud Forest and journey across the rugged Andean Plateau. Arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night before your epic adventure continues the following morning.

(Duration: 3.5 hrs; Time of day: evening; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

If you are physically fit and want a postcard view of the citadel of Machu Picchu, then be among the first in the morning at the gate of Machu Picchu as you explore on your own the mountain opposite the ruins, Wayna Picchu. The trail is steep but worthwhile with great birds-eye views of the lost city and the surrounding peaks of the Andes. Because of the narrow trail and popular demand, there are only two timings allowed for the climb which must be booked in advance. Please let your travel consultant know if you’d rather do the climb from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. We recommend rising early to get the best views before the heat and the crowds arrive! After the exertion of Wayna Picchu take a second day to explore the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Independently view the ruins again, deepening your impressions and gaining a richer understanding and appreciation for this amazing world wonder. (Self-exploring Activity; Machu Picchu opens at 0600 hrs; Please note that the maximum time permitted at the ruins is 4 hours)

Visit the lost city of the Incas with a private local guide. Learn about the human ingenuity required to construct the site and ponder its many mysteries. Marvel at the surroundings and soak in the wonders of this magical place, hidden amongst the green summits of the high Andean cloud forest. In the afternoon, after lunch, take the Vistadome train to Cusco. (Guided Machu Picchu tour lasts about 2.5 hours; with local guide. Private activity & transfers; Lunch Included)

Visit a local market in Cusco learning about the regional produce. Interact with a chef and the local producers in this traditional Andean market, discovering a different element of Cusco’s history. Return to the cooking place for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour drink and then moving on to entrées and main courses. Interact with the chef at his house where between stories and pictures you will get the most out of this culinary lesson, of course ending with a tasting of the delicacies prepared.

(Duration: 3 hrs approx; Private Activity; Lunch Included)